Cumberland Township near Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Engineer Brigade
Army of the Potomac
Photographed By Craig Swain, December 27, 2008
1. Engineer Brigade Tablet
At the top of the tablet is a castle, the symbol of the engineers.
Engineer Brigade
Brig. Gen. Henry W. Benham
15th New York (3 Companies)
Major Walter L. Cassin
50th New York
Col. William H. Pettes
United States Battalion
Capt. George H. Mendell
Engaged in arduous duties from June 13 to July 18 1863 bridging rivers and transporting pontoons to enable the Army to cross the Potomac River and its tributaries into Pennsylvania and to recross into Virginia.
Erected 1907 by Gettysburg National Military Park Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is June 13, 1863.
Location. 39° 48.482′ N, 77° 13.978′ W. Marker is near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. It is in Cumberland Township. Marker is on Pleasonton Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Located east of the Pennsylvania Memorial in Gettysburg National Military Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Gettysburg PA 17325, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. United States Battalion of Engineers (within shouting distance of this marker); 15th and 50th New York Engineers (within shouting distance of this marker); 1st Corps Headquarters (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Second Brigade
this page online
Photographed By Craig Swain, December 27, 2008
2. Engineer Tablets
The Engineer Brigade tablet stands near the U.S. Engineer Battalion tablet.
Photographed By Craig Swain
3. Edward's Ferry Boat Ramp From the Virginia Side
In this view, from the mouth of Goose Creek, the Edwards Ferry boat ramp is clearly seen on the Maryland shore. The two pontoon bridges spanned the river here in June 1863. The Federal engineers, in addition to the two main spans, built additional bridges over Goose Creek and the canal on the Maryland side. The Army of the Potomac numbered over 90,000 at this time, with the majority crossing at this point. In addition were the supply trains and additional support elements that followed in the army's wake. Thus Edward's Ferry has been called the greatest river crossing operation on the North American continent.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 8, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,071 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 8, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on January 27, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
